Month: April 2012

In a world where we are inundated with images and reports on the evil that people do, there are those unsung altruistic heroes who perform unselfish acts to help others.

These people will do things without seeking praise and recognition often going as far as to sacrifice their own comfort and security.

Write about someone who is one of those rare beautiful souls. It can be someone who helps those in need, stands up for those who can’t, sacrifices their own safety to protect others or gives unconditional love to others without expecting reciprocity.

Reflect and write.

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“Authors of so-called ‘literary’ fiction insist that action, like plot, is vulgar and unworthy of a true artist. Don’t pay any attention to misguided advice of that sort. If you do, you will very likely starve trying to live on your writing income. Besides, the only writers who survive the ages are those who understand the need for action in a novel.”

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It is the clichéd “dark and stormy night” and you’re curled up on the sofa reading a “hair-raising” horror book. You come across a passage that describes the lights going out, shrouding the protagonist in darkness. Just after reading this passage, the lights go out in your home, you are in the dark and all of a sudden, a strange face appears at the window! Write a scene that describes what happens next! Get creative and have fun! 🙂

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Welcome to Writerzblox.net’s April 2012 Newsletter! This month we have some tips to set goals, as well as book recommendations, a monthly writing prompt, free wallpaper, tips, tricks and plenty of inspiration.

Goal Setting for Writers

Living your dreams requires not only taking the steps to accomplish your goals, but also realizing that things do not happen overnight just because you will them to. Affirmations and positive thinking are great as long as you take the action that is required to work for your dreams. You can start anytime. It is never too late or too soon to start but by not doing anything, your dreams will never come to fruition and will always seem unattainable.
So, you want to become a freelance writer. Could you quit your job tomorrow and jump right in? If you are fortunate enough to do that, wonderful, but for many this concept is just not a reality.
Many writers have responsibilities such as a job, taking care of a family or, they are simply not confident enough in their skill level to take off running.

Start by writing down what it is you wish to accomplish. Writing your goals down is the most powerful thing you can do as it helps keep you on track and cements them in your mind. Start with a six-month, a one-year and a three-year plan. For each period, set reasonable goals but realize that things do come up and if you do not reach every goal that it is okay, it is just a guideline to get you on your way.

Here is an example to get you started.

You dream of being a freelance writer, here is a possible goal-setting scenario:

Six – Month Goals

First and foremost – WRITE!!

Research writing how-to websites or if finances allow, take courses.

Start by setting up a savings account to save for a business start-up. You can set it up so that from every pay cheque, a certain amount goes into a savings only account. For many it might not seem possible, but really review your finances. You might have to make sacrifices, for example, do you really need to eat out as often or go out to movies once a week? By not going out as often, you could save a large amount of money to help finance your goal.

Guest post on other peoples blogs to establish a name for yourself and gain valuable experience.

Start networking with other writers either online or in person.

Utilize social media to network with other writers

One – Year Goals

Continue to build a portfolio. Aim to have at least 10 great polished pieces by this time.

Write articles for online magazines.

Promote your work via social media. Set up a Facebook page, a Twitter account and Google+ Profile that you update regularly.

Start shopping for new office equipment – it need not be expensive, but get something that is upgradeable or that you can build on.

Three – Year Goals

Keep on top of the markets; see what is happening in your niche.

Start trying to pick up some freelance jobs, which you can do on a part-time basis.

Create a website – reserve your name as an URL.

These are just some of the steps, which you might take to become a writer, but they are different for each person. Three years might seem like a long time but it gives you a chance to hone your skills and set up savings to help finance your final goal. You might need to set one, three and five, year goals instead, but make them realistic for you.
It is important to remember that by setting and following your goals you are taking action towards making your dreams come true. In three-year`s time isn’t it better to accomplish something rather than just saying “maybe one day”?

“As you grow older, you’ll find the only things you regret are the things you didn’t do.” ~ Zachary Scott

Affirmation For Writers

This Month’s Affirmation: “I am a talented writer and every idea I come up with is worth considering.”

Book of the Month

Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go [Paperback]

In my opinion this should be required reading for every first time novelist. Les Edgerton is an accomplished writer who has been nominated for numerous awards including the Pushcart Prize, Edgar Allan Poe Award (short story category), and PEN/Faulkner Award, just to name a few. “Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go”does just that. The theme of the book is about hooking the reader’s interest with your first line, your first paragraph and first chapter.

Most writers struggle for that perfect first line and throughout the years I have read numerous books, taken writing classes, and workshops yet I usually had problems finding that elusive, “perfect” opening line. Edgerton helps to clear away all the fluff and helps keep focus on what is vital to the story at hand. This book is helpful, easy to understand and also addresses pacing, back-story, and foreshadowing all of which helps to craft the perfect story to keep the reader engaged. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to any writer wanting to capture a reader’s attention from the get go!

April’s Book Recommendations

Writer’s Workshop In A Box

by Manuela Dunn (Author)

List Price:CDN$ 32.00

Story Structure Architect: A Writer’s Guide to Building Dramatic Situations and Compelling Characters

by Victoria Lynn Schmidt

List Price: CDN$ 23.99

April’s Writing Prompt

Making the impossible….possible! You have been given the power to make something which we have been told and know to be impossible become possible. What would you do? Do you make pigs fly? Make money grow on trees? Get creative, write and most importantly have fun! 🙂

To use as wallpaper click on image to enlarge, for Windows right-click “Set as Desktop”